Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
  • F24S30/20—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for linear movement
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
  • F24S25/11—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using shaped bodies, e.g. concrete elements, foamed elements or moulded box-like elements
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
  • F24S25/15—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using bent plates; using assemblies of plates
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
  • F24S25/16—Arrangement of interconnected standing structures; Standing structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
  • F24S40/20—Cleaning; Removing snow
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
  • F24S40/80—Accommodating differential expansion of solar collector elements
  • F24S40/85—Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
  • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
  • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
  • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
  • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
  • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
  • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
  • H02S20/24—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures specially adapted for flat roofs
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
  • H02S30/10—Frame structures
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
  • H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
  • F24S2025/01—Special support components; Methods of use
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
  • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
  • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Definitions

• the assembly can serve as a protective layer over the roof membrane or support surface, shielding from temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.
• a first aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules.
• An array of PV modules supportable on and arrangeable generally parallel to a support surface by support members, is chosen.
• the array of PV modules defines a circumferentially closed perimeter, an array air volume V defined between the array of PV modules and the support surface, a module gap area MGA defined between the PV modules, and a perimeter gap area PGA defined along the perimeter between the PV modules and the support surface.
• a second aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules.
• An array of PV modules supportable on and arrangeable generally parallel to a support surface by support members, is chosen.
• the array of PV modules defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• An array air volume V defined between the array of PV modules and the support surface, is calculated.
• An interior array gap area IGAP defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array, is calculated.
• a perimeter gap area PGAP defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and the roof surface or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device, is calculated.
• a ratio R, R V divided by (IGAP + PGAP), is determined. If ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then at least one of V, IGAP and PGAP is changed and the determining step is repeated.
• a third aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules.
• An array of PV assemblies, supportable on a support surface, is chosen. At least some of said PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the array of PV assemblies defines a circumferentially closed perimeter, an array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface, a module gap area MGA defined between the PV modules, a perimeter gap area PGA defined along the perimeter between the PV assemblies and the support surface, a deflector/deflector gap area D/DGA defined between opposed ones of the inclined deflector side edges, and an air deflector gap area ADGA defined between the upper edges of the air deflectors and the upper edges of the PV modules.
• a ratio R, R V divided by (MGA + ADGA+PGA+ D/DGA), is determined. If ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then at least one of V, MGA, ADGA, PGA and D/DGA is changed and the determining step is repeated.
• a fourth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules.
• An array of PV assemblies supportable on a support surface, is chosen. At least some of said PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween, the array of PV assemblies defining a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• An array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface, is chosen.
• An interior array gap area IGAP defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array, is calculated.
• a perimeter gap area PGAP defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and deflectors and the roof surface or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device, is calculated. Any obstructions by any supports are accounted for by deducting any areas blocked by supports when calculating IGAP and PGAP.
• a ratio R, R V divided by (IGAP + PGAP), is determined. If ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then at least one of V, IGAP and PGAP is changed and the determining step is repeated.
• a fifth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules.
• An array of PV assemblies supportable on a support surface is chosen. At least some of said PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the array of PV assemblies define a circumferentially closed perimeter, an array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface, a module gap area MGA defined between the PV modules, a perimeter gap area PGA defined along the perimeter between the PV assemblies and the support surface, a deflector/deflector gap area D/DGA defined between opposed ones of the inclined deflector side edges, and an air deflector gap area ADGA defined between the upper edges of the air deflectors and the upper edges of the PV modules.
• a ratio R, R V divided by (MGA + ADGA+PGA+ D/DGA), is determined.
• a sixth aspect of the invention is directed to a method for enhancing pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules. An array of PV assemblies, supportable on a support surface, is chosen.
• At least some of said PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the array of PV assemblies defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• An array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface is calculated.
• An interior array gap area IGAP defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array, is calculated.
• a perimeter gap area PGAP defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and deflectors and the roof surface or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device, is calculated.
• the presence of any airflow hindering elements situated to hinder airflow into and or out of array air volume V is determined.
• a ratio R, R V divided by (IGAP + PGAP), is determined. If ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then at least one of V, IGAP and PGAP is changed and the determining step is repeated. Prior to the ratio R determining step, at least one of IGAP and PGAP may be adjusted downwardly based upon the results of the airflow hindering determining step.
• a seventh aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface, an array of PV modules, comprising PV modules having upper and lower surfaces, and PV module supports supporting the PV modules on and generally parallel to the support surface.
• the array of PV modules defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• a perimeter air deflector is positioned outwardly of the perimeter.
• An array air volume is V defined between the array of PV modules and the support surface.
• a module gap area MGA is defined between the PV modules.
• a perimeter gap area PGA is defined along the perimeter between the PV modules and the support surface.
• An eighth aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface, an array of PV modules, comprising PV modules having upper and lower surfaces, and PV module supports supporting the PV modules on and generally parallel to the support surface.
• the array of PV modules defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• a perimeter air deflector is positioned outwardly of the perimeter.
• An array air volume is V defined between the array of PV modules and the support surface.
• An interior array gap area IGAP is defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array.
• a perimeter gap area PGAP is defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and deflectors and the roof surface or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device.
• a ninth aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface, an array of PV assemblies and PV assembly supports supporting the PV assemblies on the support surface.
• the array of PV assemblies comprises PV modules having upper and lower surfaces, at least some of said PV assemblies comprising (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the array of PV assemblies defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• An array air volume V is defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface.
• a module gap area MGA is defined between the PV modules.
• a perimeter gap area PGA is defined along the perimeter between the PV assemblies and the support surface.
• a deflector/deflector gap area D/DGA is defined between opposed ones of the inclined deflector side edges.
• An air deflector gap area ADGA is defined between the upper edges of the air deflectors and the upper edges of the PV modules.
• a tenth aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface, an array of PV assemblies and PV assembly supports supporting the PV assemblies on the support surface.
• the array of PV assemblies comprises PV modules having upper and lower surfaces, at least some of said PV assemblies comprising (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the array of PV assemblies defines a circumferentially closed perimeter.
• An array air volume V is defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface.
• An interior array gap area IGAP is defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array.
• a perimeter gap area PGAP is defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and deflectors and the roof surface or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device.
• An eleventh aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface, a PV assembly and a PV assembly support supporting the PV assembly on and directly opposite the support surface.
• the PV assembly comprises a front edge, a back edge, and first and second side edges joining the front and back edges, the edges defining a PV assembly periphery.
• the PV assembly periphery and the support surface define a preliminary gap area therebetween. At least a first portion of the PV assembly periphery is spaced apart from the support surface by at least a first distance.
• An air volume V is defined between the PV assembly and the support surface.
• the PV assembly comprises an air deflector located along at least substantially the entire first portion of the periphery and blocking a portion of the preliminary gap area so to define an effective gap area (EGA) opening into the air volume.
• ESA effective gap area
• a twelfth aspect of the invention is directed to a PV installation comprising a support surface and an array of PV modules, said array comprising at least three rows of PV modules.
• a first path is defined between a first pair of the rows and a second path defined between a second pair of the rows.
• Supports are used to support the PV modules on the support surface.
• First and second tracks are positioned along the first and second paths.
• An access cart is supported on and movable along the first and second tracks. Whereby access to at least a portion of at least one row of PV modules is obtained.
• the access cart may comprise a PV module cleaning device.
• the PV module cleaning device may comprise a global positioning system (GPS) PV module cleaning device whereby cleaning of the array may be tracked according to a GPS position.
• GPS global positioning system
• Figs. 1 and 2 are simplified top plan and side elevational views of a PV installation; [0015] Fig. 3 is a view on to Fig. 1 showing the module gap area as crosshatched; [0016] Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the perimeter gap area as crosshatched; [0017] Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the deflector/module gap area; [0018] Fig. 6 an is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing the module gap and perimeter gap; [0019] Figs. 7 and 8 are views similar to Figs. 5 and 6 illustrating how the volume of air beneath the array of PV modules is determined;
• Figs. 9 and 10 are views similar to Figs. 1 and 2 showing inclined PV modules and rear air deflectors, the right-most side air deflector being removed in Fig. 10 for clarity;
• Figs. 12 and 13 are views similar to Figs. 9 and 10 using crosshatching to show module gap areas, air deflector gap areas and perimeter gap areas;
• Figs. 14 and 15 are similar to Fig. 12 with Fig. 14 showing deflectors/module gap areas and Fig. 15 showing deflectors/deflector gap areas;
• Fig. 16 plots pressure equalization time versus the ratio of the air volume beneath the array to the unobstructed gap areas;
• Fig. 17 plots displacement versus the ratio of the air volume beneath the array to the unobstructed gap areas
• Figs. 18-20 are plots of the calculated vertical displacement of three different sizes of
• FIGs. 21 A and 21B illustrate the pressure equalization time for a number of different designs of PV assemblies calculated for different perimeter conditions, 0% open, 25% open and
• Fig. 21C is a chart identifying the calculations used to create the graphs of Figs. 21 A and 21B;
• Fig. 22A is a simplified side elevational view of a PV assembly having a relatively non-aerodynamic support frame
• FIG. 22B is enlarged view of one end of the assembly of Fig. 22 A;
• Fig. 22C through 22F are views similar to Fig. 22A and 22B of alternative embodiment having more aerodynamic support frames;
• Fig. 23 A is a simplified side elevational view of a PV assembly having a relatively non-aerodynamic structural member
• FIG. 23B is enlarged view of one end of the assembly of Fig. 23 A;
• Fig. 23C is an end view of the structure of Fig. 23B illustrating the non-aerodynamic shape of the structural member
• Fig. 23D through 23E are views similar to Fig. 23 A through 23C of an alternative embodiment having a more aerodynamic structural member
• Figs. 24A and 24B each shows a pair of interengaging PV assemblies with the assemblies of Fig. 24B having a larger gap than the assemblies of Fig. 24A to help promote airflow from beneath the assemblies to reduce pressure equalization time;
• Fig. 25 illustrates use of channels beneath the PV assemblies of Fig. 24B to promote airflow beneath the assemblies
• Fig. 26 and 26A are isometric and plan views of an array of sloped PV modules made according to the invention facilitate field assembly;
• Figs. 26B, 27, 28 and 29 are is enlarged views of different portions of the assembly of
• Fig. 29A is underside view of the structure of Fig. 29;
• Fig. 29B is enlarged view of a portion of the structure of Fig. 29A showing the end- most support with the upper support arm not attached to anything;
• Fig. 29C is an underside, reverse angle view of the uppermost support of Fig. 29 illustrating its attachment to a fastener;
• Fig. 29D is a views similar to that of Fig. 29C but taken between two adjacent rows of PV modules;
• Fig. 29E is a views similar to that of Fig. 29B but taken between two adjacent rows of PV modules;
• Fig. 30 is an enlarged side view showing the junction of a PV module and the overlapping edges of adjacent air deflectors;
• Fig. 31 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the structure of Fig. 26B;
• Fig. 32 is a view similar to Fig. 31 showing the use of an extended side air deflector;
• Fig. 33 is an end view illustrating an angled side air deflector as an alternative to the generally vertical side air deflector of Fig. 26B;
• Fig. 34 illustrates a PV installation made according to a further aspect of the invention in which the supports not only support the PV modules by also act as tracks for an access cart;
• Fig. 35 and 36 are side and enlarged side views of a portion of the installation of Fig. 34;
• Fig. 37 illustrates an alternative PV module, specifically a light concentrator type of PV module, for use with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Figs. 1 and 2 are top plan and side elevational views of a PV installation 10, installation 10 including an array 12 of PV modules 14 supported by a support surface 16, typically the roof of a building.
• Array 12 of PV modules 14 define a circumferentially closed perimeter 18.
• Installation 10 also includes a perimeter air deflector 20 surrounding and spaced apart from perimeter 18 and PV modules supports 22 supporting PV modules 14 above a support surface 16.
• the general construction of PV installation 10 may be conventional, such as disclosed in one or more of the above-referenced patents with exemplary possible modifications discussed below.
• PV modules 14 are preferably interconnected to one another to enhance resistance to wind uplift forces.
• Figs. 3-8 are used to identify certain areas, volumes, dimensions and regions associated with PV installation 10.
• Fig. 3 illustrates a module gap area (MGA) 26 defined between PV modules 14.
• Fig. 4 shows a perimeter gap area (PGA) 28. Assuming support surface 16 is horizontal, perimeter gap area 28 will be a vertically extending area between PV modules 14 and support surface 16 along perimeter 18.
• Fig. 5 illustrates a deflector/module gap area (D/MGA) 30 defined between perimeter 18 and perimeter air deflector 20.
• FIG. 6 illustrates a module gap 32 and a perimeter gap 34.
• Figs. 7 and 8 illustrates how the air volume beneath array 12 is calculated. That is, the area of perimeter 18 is determined by multiplying dimension X dimension Y and then the air volume V is found by multiplying the product by height H. Note that when an insulating base is used with PV modules 14, so that the insulating base lies against support surface 16 and an air space is created between the insulating base and PV modules 14, the air volume calculation is typically adjusted to remove the volume of the base from air volume V.
• Figs. 9-15 illustrate PV installation 110 with like reference numerals (for example
• Installation 110 uses sloped PV modules 114 having lower and upper edges 140, 142 and inclined to side edges 144, 146.
• Installation 110 also includes air deflectors 148, each air deflector 148 having inclined deflector side edges 150, 152, an upper deflector edge 154 opposite upper edge 142 and a lower deflector edge 156.
• Edges 142, 154 define a gap 158 and air deflector gap area (ADGA) 160, see Fig. 12, therebetween.
• ADGA air deflector gap area
• the distance between edges 140 and 156 and support surface 116 is sufficiently small so that an air deflector is not needed along those edges.
• side air deflectors 162 are used along perimeter 118 opposite side edges 144, 146, 150, 152.
• a deflector/deflector gap area (D/DGA) 164 is defined between opposed deflector side edges 150, 152 as shown in Fig. 15.
• Air volume V for the sloped PV modules of Figs. 9-15 is the air volume bounded by support surface 116, perimeter gap areas 128, and the undersides of PV modules 1 14 and air deflectors 148.
• Figs. 22 A and 22B illustrate a PV assembly 24A comprising a PV module 14A secured to a relatively non-aerodynamic support frame 22A.
• Support frame 22A is both flat and relatively tall, for example about 4 cm tall.
• FIGS. 22C and 22D show a support frame 22B having an aerodynamic shape, that is more rounded and shorter, about 1.3 cm tall, than support frame 22A.
• Figs. 22E and 22F show a PV assembly 24C having a support frame 22C that is more an aerodynamic than support frame 22A, being about one third as tall as support frame 22, but perhaps not as aerodynamic as the rounded support frame 22B of Figs. 22C and 22D.
• An advantage of support frame 22B over support frame 22C is that the inner edge 22D of support frame 22B is rounded, which enhances the aerodynamic qualities of the inner portion of the support frame.
• Figs. 23A - 23C demonstrate how the shape of the structural member 43 that is attached to PV module supports 22C can have an impact on wind resistance.
• Figs. 23 A through 23 C structural members 43 are mounted to the roof or other support surface by space-apart supports so that air easily passes under the structural members.
• the arrows represent wind hitting structural members 43. Because the 'C shape of the structural member does not have an aerodynamic geometry; large drag forces result when wind hits the structural member in the orientation shown.
• Figs. 23D - 23F show the preferred approach, where the 'C shape of structural member 43 is replaced with a profile with rounded edges for structural member 43 A, which will reduce drag on structural member 43A, and hence reduce drag on PV assembly 24D.
• Figs. 24A and 24B each illustrates a pair of insulated PV assemblies 25 comprising supports 22 mounting PV modules 14 to an insulated base 27, assembly 25 being supported by support surface 16. Assemblies 25 are interlocked through the use of tongue-and-groove interlocking structure 29.
• a relatively small gap 31 is formed between insulating bases 27.
• the relatively small gap 131 restricts air flow and increases pressure equalization time. The best wind performance is achieved with rapid pressure equalization.
• Fig. 24B shows an increased gap 31 which reduces pressure equalization time and thus enhances wind performance.
• incorporating through holes (not shown) in the insulating base 27 also provides pressure equalization paths to the region between base 27 and support surface 16 to help reduce pressure equalization time.
• Fig. 25 shows structure similar to that of Fig. 24B of including small channels 33 under base 27 to promote flow under base 27 and through gaps 31 too promote rapid pressure equalization. It should, however, be emphasized that the height of channels 33 should be minimized so that the advantages provided by the flow passages created by channels 33 are not negated by the larger air volume needed to be equalized. The increase in air volume created by providing channels 33 can be and usually should be offset by increasing size of gaps 31 or adding holes in base 27, or both.
• Figs. 26-31 disclose a further alternative embodiment designed to facilitate the field assembly of an array 212 of sloped PV modules 214 to create a PV installation 210 with like reference numerals referring to like elements.
• Supports 222 are used to both support PV module 214 and to secure adjacent PV modules to one another.
• Each support 222 comprises a base 270, an upwardly extending upper edge support arm 272 and a moderately sloped lower edge support arm 274.
• Support arms 272, 274 each have an aperrured tab 276, 278 (see Figs. 28 and 29A) extending therefrom used to support PV module 214 at upper and lower edges 242, 240 of PV module 214.
• FIG. 30 illustrates fastening of upper edges 242 of two adjacent PV modules 214 to apertured tab 276 of upper support arm 272 and the overlapping apertured tabs 282 of two adjacent (and slightly overlapping) rear air deflectors 248 by a fastener 280.
• Fastener 280 includes a threaded stud 284, secured to and extending outwardly from tab 276, and a grounding clip 286, driven towards tab 276 by an inner nut 288.
• a metallic portion of each of the adjacent PV modules 214 is captured between clip 286 and tab 276.
• Apertured tabs 282 of rear air deflectors 248 are captured between an outer flange nut 290 and inner nut 288.
• the lower edge 256 of rear air deflector 248 has a tab which engages a slot 292 formed in base 270 of support 222.
• the lower edge 240 of PV module 214 is secured to support 222 using tab 278 and a fastener, similar to fastener 280, including a stud extending from tab 278, a grounding clip and a nut.
• Other mounting structures may also be used.
• PV modules 214 within each row of PV modules are adjacent to one another so that there is no air gap between them.
• side air deflectors 262 are secured to PV module 214 along the lateral edges of array 212.
• Side air deflectors 262 have inwardly extending slotted tabs 291 which are engaged by the fasteners along lower and upper edges 240 and 242 of PV modules 214.
• An air gap 230 is formed between side air deflectors 262 and the adjacent edges of PV module 214.
• Support 222 is typically a bent metal support made of, for example, sheet metal, bent aluminum, extruded aluminum, stainless steel, or other metal. However, support 222 could also be made of plastic, concrete, fiberglass, or other material. Support 222 also includes a protective pad 293, typically made of rubber or some other suitable material, adhered to base 270. While pad 293 is an optional component of the assembly, pad 293 helps to prevent array 212 of PV modules 214 from scratching or otherwise damaging support surface 216. As shown in Fig. 31, adjacent rows of PV modules 214 can be spaced apart sufficiently to provide a walkway 294 between the rows.
• Fig. 32 discloses a further alternative embodiment using extended side air deflectors 262A, the extended side air deflectors overlapping somewhat at 296. Using this type of side air deflector may eliminate the need for using a curb, or other peripheral barrier, surrounding array 212.
• Fig. 33 illustrates a further embodiment in which the side air deflector is an angled side air deflector 262B. Such an angled side air deflector is presently preferred; however, manufacturing problems are typically greater than with the vertical side air deflectors.
• Figs. 34-36 illustrate a still further aspect of the invention.
• PV installation 310 comprises an array 312 of PV modules 314 mounted on a support surface 316.
• Supports 322 are designed to not only support PV modules 314 and join adjacent PV modules 314 to one another, but also to support U-channel tracks 317 extending between supports 322.
• U-channel tracks 317 are used to support the wheels 319 of an access cart 321, the wheels being mounted to a cart body 323.
• Access cart 321 may be used for cleaning, maintenance, and repair of PV array 312 and to otherwise provide access to otherwise generally inaccessible regions of the array.
• Cart 321 may carry brushes 335 (see Fig. 36), sprayers or other cleaning devices to clean PV modules 314.
• Cart 321 may be self-propelled, manually propelled, automatically controlled, manually controlled or combination thereof.
• PV modules 314 are shown at a slight incline; other angles, from no incline to a greater incline can also be used. If desired, wheels 319 may be different diameters to provide sufficient clearance when PV modules 314 are inclined.
• supports 322 may be designed to support two U-channel tracks 317 at different elevations when PV modules 314 are inclined.
• Cart 321 may be motorized or moved using, for example, poles, cables, chains or ropes. The movement of cart 321 may also be remotely controlled using, for example, a global positioning system (GPS). Cart 321 may also span more than one row of PV modules 314.
• GPS global positioning system
• the PV modules could be of the light concentrator type.
• Light concentrator types of PV modules 336 see Fig. 37, typically have an array of lenses 337 or other light concentrators positioned above the PV substrate 338so to increase the intensity of the light received by the PV substrate. This permits the percentage of the active, electricity-generating area 339 of the PV substrate to be reduced when compared with non-light-concentrator types of PV substrates. This helps to make using more efficient electricity-generating materials on the PV substrate more cost- effective.
• Fig. 16 demonstrates two key issues: (1) the time to equalize pressures above and below the PV module is strongly dependent upon the ratio V/Ga, and (2) the time to equalize pressures is a function only of geometry and is not dependent upon the weight of the system.
• V the air volume beneath the array
• Ga the unobstructed gap area opening into the air volume region. Rapid equalization of pressures above and below the PV module is desirable. If equalization occurs rapidly, the inertia of the PV system will be able to resist the pressure fluctuations caused by dynamic wind flow. If pressure equalization takes a long time to occur, the inertia of the system will eventually be overcome, and the PV system will experience displacement.
• Fig. 17 This graph shows that a heavier system will have less displacement than a lighter system with the same V/Ga ratio and perimeter spacings. It is desirable to limit the displacement that a PV system will experience during wind pressure fluctuations, because the strain on the structural components will be minimized, thereby minimizing the risk of a failure.
• Figs. 18 through 20 demonstrate the effect of PV size on the vertical displacement that would occur, based on CFD simulation, during the pressure equalization period, as well as the effect of gap spacing between PV modules on vertical displacement.
• Fig. 18 shows displacements of PV modules of various sizes, for various heights above the roof.
• the graph shows that a 24" by 24" array of PV modules with a 1" gap between adjacent PV modules, and a height of 9" between the PV modules and the roof, a displacement of 1 mm can be expected.
• a displacement of about 5 mm would occur, and an array of 96" by 96" modules with similar geometry would experience a vertical displacement of 27 mm.
• Figs. 21 A, B, and C are based on calculations and are used to demonstrate the effect of the perimeter spacing. If there is no obstruction to the flow of air from beneath a perimeter tile through the perimeter gap (as shown in Fig. 6, item 34), then the perimeter is 100% open. If an object blocks the perimeter gap area, the ratio of the blockage to the original perimeter gap area can be determined as a percentage.
• Figs. 21 A and B show the pressure equalization time for various designs (any one design has the same PV area, gap spacing, PV weight, and height above the roof). The y-axis in Fig. 21 A goes up to 70 ms, while in Fig. 21 B the y-axis is limited to 20 ms for clarity. Fig.
• FIG. 21C is a table of the raw data used for Figs. 21 A and B, so that the geometry for each design can be viewed.
• the pressure equalization time is given for various percentages of perimeter gap openness, including 0%, 25% perimeter blockage, and 100% perimeter open.
• the volume refers to the volume of air under the entire PV system (for example air volume V).
• the gap area refers to the sum of all gap areas between modules, and the gap area between the top edges of the PV modules and the roof surface (for example module gap area 26 plus perimeter gap area 28). Note that some part of these gap areas is commonly obstructed by the PV support system (for example PV modules supports 22). The obstruction of the support system is accounted for by deducting the areas blocked by supports from the gap area when calculating the volume-to-gap area ratio. Therefore, in the following equations gap areas are intended to refer to the unobstructed gap area for particular region.
• the ratio (with volume measured in meters cubed and area measured in meters squared) is preferably less than about 20 meters, more preferably less than about 10 meters, even more preferably less than about 2 meters and further more preferably less than about 1 meter.
• the V/Ga may be selected as follows.
• a graph similar to Fig. 17 can be created for any weight of PV module. For a given weight of PV module, this graph should be checked to determine a V/Ga ratio that restricts the vertical displacement to preferably 50 mm, more preferably less than about 25 mm, and further more preferably less than about 1mm.
• the V/Ga ratio that is selected should then be cross-referenced on the graph shown in Fig. 16.
• the equalization time for the selected V/Ga as shown on Fig. 16 should be determined. This value should be preferably less than 20 ms, more preferably les than 8 ms, and further preferably less than 1 ms. If the originally selected V/Ga is higher than the preferred value shown described above, the lower of the two V/Ga values should be selected. Note that PGA will typically be some small fraction of MGA, and can be zero. The system would probably not work as desired if MGA was zero and all the gap existed in the PGA component. To limit displacement of the PV system, the appropriate ratio R is also dependent on the weight per unit area of the PV system.
• the volume refers to the volume of air under the entire PV system (for example air volume V).
• the gap area IGAP defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces (e.g. PV modules) located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array.
• IGAP for Fig. 1 is equal to MGA 26 while IGAP for Fig. 9 is equal to the sum of MGA 126, ADGA 160 and D/DGA 164.
• the gap area PGAP refers to the sum of all gap areas at the perimeter of the array, further defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and the roof surface (perimeter gap area (PGA) 28) or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and a perimeter deflector device (perimeter gap area 30 (D/MGA)).
• PGA perimeter gap area
• D/MGA perimeter deflector device
• a PV-deflector gap (for example perimeter gap 34) of 2.5 cm or more may be desirable to reduce wind uplift on a sloped PV module with or without foam insulation.
• a PV-deflector gap (for example perimeter gap 34) of 2.5 cm or more may be desirable to reduce wind uplift on a sloped PV module with or without foam insulation.
• Larger gap spacings between PV modules enhance wind performance (reference Figs. 18, 19 and 20).
• increasing the gap spacing has a limit, as gaps create opportunity for positive pressure build-up under the PV system, for which one must proceed to aerodynamic solutions, e.g. using air deflectors at the gaps and aerodynamic components to reduce resistance to air flow into air volume V.
• Gaps must be strategically placed to avoid regions that experience positive pressures, such as any surface that is not parallel to the roof. Gaps should be protected from wind penetration under the PV system through the use of wind deflectors.
• PV assemblies may be aided in the following manner.
• An array of PV assemblies supportable on a support surface is chosen.
• At least some of the PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• the anay of PV assemblies define a circumferentially closed perimeter, an array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface, a module gap area MGA defined between the PV modules, a perimeter gap area PGA defined along the perimeter between the PV assemblies and the support surface, a deflector/deflector gap area D/DGA defined between opposed ones of the inclined deflector side edges, and an air deflector gap area ADGA defined between the upper edges of the air deflectors and the upper edges of the PV modules.
• PGA may be zero.
• ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then changing at least one of V, MGA, ADGA, PGA and D/DGA should be pursued and the determining step is repeated.
• the chosen ratio may be, for example, no more than 20, no more than 10, no more than 2 or no more than 1.
• Side air deflectors may be used along the perimeter opposite the inclined side edges of a plurality of the inclined PV modules. Any deflector/module gap area D/MGA between the perimeter air deflectors and the perimeter is determined.
• An adjustment ratio AR equal to D/MGA divided by PGA is determined. If AR is less than 1, then PGA is multiplied by AR to obtain a corrected PGA. The corrected PGA is used in the ratio R determining step. [0085] 12.
• PV assemblies of an array of PV assemblies may be aided in the following manner.
• An array of PV assemblies supportable on a support surface is chosen.
• At least some of the PV assemblies comprise (1) an inclined PV module having a lower edge, an upper edge and inclined side edges joining the lower and upper edges, and (2) an air deflector having inclined deflector side edges and an upper deflector edge opposite the upper edge of the inclined PV module and defining a gap therebetween.
• Side air deflectors may be used along the perimeter opposite the inclined side edges of a plurality of the inclined PV modules.
• the array of PV assemblies define a circumferentially closed perimeter, an array air volume V defined between the array of PV assemblies and the support surface, an interior array gap area IGAP defined as the sum of all gap areas between solid surfaces located within the array when viewed from vertically above the array, and PGAP refers to the sum of all gap areas at the perimeter of the array, further defined as the lesser of 1) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and deflectors and the roof surface (perimeter gap area 128) or 2) the area between the top edges of the PV modules and any perimeter deflector device(perimeter gap area 130 (D/MGA)). Note that some part of these gap areas is commonly obstructed by the PV support system (for example PV modules supports 22).
• a ratio R, R V divided by (IGAP + PGAP) is determined. If ratio R is not less than a chosen ratio, then changing at least one of V, IGAP and/or PGAP should be pursued and the determining step is repeated.
• the chosen ratio may be, for example, no more than 20, no more than 10, no more than 2 or no more than 1.
• Wind deflectors should be placed at any large entry points to the underside of the array to prevent wind penetration into the entry point. Wind deflectors should be as tall as the tallest adjacent components in the PV system to minimize drag forces on the PV system.
• wind deflectors should be sloped at an angle (this angle should be minimized, i.e. as close to parallel to the roof surface as possible) to cause wind to deflect to a point above the array, especially when placed around the perimeter.
• the perimeter air deflector may be locatable to surround and be spaced-apart from the perimeter.
• a deflector/module gap area D/MGA is determined between the perimeter air deflector and the perimeter.
• An adjustment ratio AR equal to D/MGA divided by PGA, is computed. If AR is less than 1 , then PGA is multiplied by AR obtain a corrected PGA and the corrected PGA is used in the ratio R determining step.
• Gap size r to 3" 3.
• P V to back deflector (sloped modules) a.
• PV to side deflector (sloped modules) a.
• Gap has low resistance to airflow
• Preferred deflector angle 10-50 degrees
• a wind spoil device within array such as deflector or curb or vortex generator, or other If deflector or curb: 1.
• Prefened deflector angle 0-50 degrees
• Components 1. Aerodynamic profile (I.e. low resistance to airflow) for all component surfaces (e.g. rails, frame edges, support spacers)
• Deflectors or deflector curbs add other measures to reinforce the integrity of the array 1.

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